The 7 most common Covid booster jab side effects revealed
THE most common side effects from Covid booster shots have been revealed.
They are very similar to those reported after second doses were administered, and largely mild.
Covid booster jabs protect against Omicron and offer the best chance to get through the pandemic, health officials have repeatedly said.
A booster shot is the best protection against Omicron, with early data suggesting it pushes efficacy against infection back up to 75 per cent.
The Sun's Jabs Army campaign is helping get the vital extra vaccines in Brits' arms to ward off the need for any new restrictions.
As with any vaccine, it's expected that when someone has a booster jab they might feel some mild side effects, similar to being "under the weather".
But the vast majority of people will recover quickly, if they feel any side effects at all.
The potential of feeling slightly uncomfortable for a day is a small price to pay to be protected against Covid and the latest mutant variant, experts agree.
Slight pain at the injection site, fatigue and body aches are among the most recognised symptoms after a jab.
According to anecdotal reports, you may experience some dehydration, or extra thirst, after your top-up shot.
This might be because a possible side effect of the jab is a mild fever - when someone’s temperature rises, which can lead to dehydration.
Dr Vivek Cherian previously told : “A fairly common side effect after getting vaccinated is developing a fever, which can lead to fluid loss and dehydration via sweating.”
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Experts said there is no reason to be concerned if you become a little more thirsty after your jab, especially if it’s as fixable as drinking some more water.
In terms of booster jabs, it may be the case that people feel more unwell than their first two doses due to the “mix and matching” of Astra Zeneca and Pfizer.
Other lesser known “side effects” of vaccination have been identified by doctors, including changes to periods and "Covid toes".
looked at how people fared after getting their third vaccine.
SIDE EFFECTS
They logged their symptoms on a mobile app designed to track the safety of jabs, with the seven most common side effects revealed.
Around 79 per cent had reactions at the injection site - pain, redness or swelling.
And 74 per cent said they suffered side effects like fever, headache, chills or joint pain.
However those who received the Moderna vaccine seemed to have more arm pain compared to after the second injection.
These findings are very similar to the percentage who reported the same responses to their second dose.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found there are "no unexpected patterns" after boosters, which seem to be well-tolerated.
In Britain, booster jabs are now being rolled out to everyone over 18, and some children in specific groups.
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The JCVI has recommended boosters for 16 to 17-year-olds, 12 to 15-year-olds who are in a clinical risk group or who are a household contact of someone (of any age) who is immunosuppressed and 12 to 15 years old who are severely immunocompromised and have had a third primary dose.
Three vaccines have been approved as safe and effective as Covid boosters – AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna - by the drug regulator the MHRA.